How efficient can an operator be when deploying Carrier Ethernet business access and wireless backhaul? Service delivery automation can reduce deployment times from weeks to hours by eliminating staging, truck-rolls, configuration and service provisioning. This short interview explains the challenges deployment automation overcomes.
Q: What are the operational challenges facing service providers deploying Ethernet for business services and wireless backhaul applications?
A: Ethernet deployment is typically labour intensive and time consuming, impactingmany operational functions from install, provisioning an turn-up testing to back-office integration with inventory, security, backup, audit, billing and fault management systems. Establishing service to a single cell site or enterprise location typically takes weeks, in a time where rapid service delivery is required to be competitive in these emerging markets.
Q: Are there any MEF or other standards addressing these issues?
A: Unfortunately, unlike cable modem or xDSL installation there are no standards that address provisioning automation for the SLA-backed fibered or high-speed Carrier Ethernet services required for medium-to-large enterprise access and mobile backhaul applications. Although the MEF defines requirements for service creation and bandwidth policies, vendors providing access equipment normally offer a limited degree of turn-up and service management automation or integration with existing B/OSS systems.
Q: What would be the ideal Ethernet deployment scenario for an operator planning to introduce these services on a large-scale?
A: Leading service providers have been quick to point out the key pain points associated with Ethernet service delivery. They want the access device to be very easy to install – preferably by the customer – have it automatically advertise its presence, and then allow further provisioning steps to be performed remotely from the NOC. The steps that follow are operator specific, but generally involve implementing device security, configuring the Carrier Ethernet service, provisioning Ethernet Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) monitoring functionality, then performing a turn-up test to confirm the service is working as committed to the customer. Ideally, all of
these steps would be automated while following existing operational procedures.
Q: What options are available today for providers who would like to quickly roll-out Carrier Ethernet services without significant operational cost and delays?
A: Over the past year we have worked with leading operators to develop a fully automated Ethernet service delivery solution for our Ethernet network interface devices (NIDs) - carrier-grade service end-points that combine service creation and assurance in a single, low-cost device. The units’ operations automation that we call Plug & Go™ covers all steps in lighting up and maintaining a service from A-Z.
Q: How does Plug & Go work? Can you provide a typical scenario?
A: Normally network elements need to be staged (configured for remote management, recorded in an inventory system) before they are sent out to the customer or cell site. Plug & Go eliminates this step by allowing factory-reset NIDs to be shipped directly to the customer. No technician or truck roll is required to install the units – the customer plugs in the power and network cables and the NID automatically senses which connections face the operator’s and customer’s network, detects the media and auto-negotiates so that traffic is flowing within
seconds. The NID then listens for a management configuration broadcast that tells the unit how to configure itself for remote access. Once it has successfully auto-configured itself, the unit advertises its presence to a centralized NID that maintains a live inventory of active units. This information is synchronized with a deployment automation EMS that recognizes newly installed units, then automatically provisions the service by following the standard operating procedure programmed into the system.
Q: How does the EMS follow operator-specific procedures?
A: There are several steps that are normally followed to fully commission a service. As an example, a newly installed unit may have a security policy applied to it as a first step. If the firmware on the unit was out of date, it would be remotely upgraded. The Ethernet Virtual Circuits (EVCs) are then provisioned, the bandwidth policy and service priority defined, and any additional traffic conditioning functions such as traffic shaping or filtering would be applied. With the service established, an RFC-2544 turn up test would be performed, then OAM and monitoring functions enabled on the device. As a last step most service providers backup the unit configuration. Our EMS offers cross-functional workflow automation that lets an operator combine any or all of these steps in an automated sequence that follows the specific procedures they already have in place.
Q: Is there a lot of programming required to replicate existing practices?
A: No, the EMS uses a wizard-based approach that means no code is required to automate even complex provisioning sequences.
Q: How far does this automation go? Can it also integrate with existing management systems?
A: The EMS communicates openly with existing fault management, inventory, audit and provisioning systems. Although this requires some configuration, full interoperability can be accomplished in a day or two.
Q: What is the bottom line benefit of this approach to an operator?
A: Plug & Go reduces operational effort and cost to the absolute minimum, while turning up a service in hours instead of weeks. It does this by minimized involvement and human error at every stage of deployment. When you’re rolling out backhaul service to thousands of cell sites, or introducing Carrier Ethernet business services city, state or nationwide, this automation is a competitive advantage that lets a cable operator rapidly gain market share and grow their service footprint.
You can watch a video explaining Plug & Go, filmed in our lab: watch now.
